Pro Bono: Why it's Important & Why You Should Join
I could honestly write forever about this topic (but
I’ll spare you). First, always remember that the legal profession is a service
profession. Whether you work for the government, a non-profit, you are doing
pro bono work, or your client is a major corporation, as a lawyer, you are
providing a service.
Because our profession is based on service, the legal
community places a HUGE emphasis on pro bono projects. This is something that
actually shocked me when I started law school. I truly had no idea the level of
commitment my fellow students, professors, and alumni would have to pro bono.
Honestly, it is one of the best surprises I have ever had.
At my school, we have tons of pro bono organizations. I
don’t know a student who does not work on at least one. Not only are they
important because you are providing your expertise to people in need, but they
are also an excellent opportunity to practice some real-world skills and get
some experience.
Personally, I am a part of two pro bono organizations
that are specific to my school, but I will tell you a little about them so you
can learn. (If you are ever interested in learning more or trying to do
something similar at your school LMK).
Outreach for Legal Literacy (OLL)
OLL has quickly become one of the most near-and-dear to
my heart organizations I have ever been involved in. The organization focuses
on providing vital civics education to local fifth grade students by having law
school student volunteers meet with an assigned classroom 10-12 times a year.
Over the course of the year, the students learn about all three branches of the
government while doing fun activities to help them gain a better understanding.
In the spring, at the end of the year, we host a mock trial at the law school
so students get to come visit us and test out their lawyering skills. We also
have a fun project that I get to be in charge of this year, Law Student for a
Day. This program invites students from the community to come spend civics inspired
day of programming at the law school. We think it is important that students
get the opportunity to come to the law school and make a connection with us, because
our goals and ambitions are inspired by the things, we know are possible. We
believe in these students and we want them to know it.
I am especially excited to serve as the VP of Special
Events and have the opportunity to plan not one but two LS4D events next year. Our
second event wll be focused on reaching out to the rural communities surrounding
Bloomington that may be too far away to visit each week. If you don’t know, Indiana
is a pretty rural state and many students don’t have the same educational
opportunities that most people who go on to pursue higher education had when
they were young. As a member of one of these small, rural communities it has
always been a goal of mine to give back to those students because I am in a
position to do so. I am not a person who believes every person needs a college
degree, but I do know that students who don’t have the opportunities to love
education when they are children also don’t make it a priority when they are
older. This program will work to provide an opportunity that is sorely missing.
I could go on about OLL forever, but I’ll stop now and
just say that if you have any questions about the program, please reach
out. It really is an amazing opportunity for our volunteers to positively
impact a community and create a lasting effect on educational initiatives.
Volunteers in Intellectual Property (VIPs)
If you have looked around the blog, Instagram, or
pinterest you probably know that I had a first life as an engineer and because
of that I am extremely interested in pursuing jobs in the field of intellectual
property. That background has helped shape a lot of my law school interests as
well. Maurer has an incredible IP Clinic through our Center for Intellectual Property
and a few years ago they were trying to figure out how to create more
opportunities for 1Ls. They created VIPs, which allows 1Ls to help out the
clinic by performing prior art searches. It has been a really great way to get my
feet wet in the field and put some experience on my resume that employers know
is valuable. Plus, it is a great foot in the door with the professors who run
the clinic, because in the future I am planning on volunteering for the clinic
for externship credit.
Before talking to my professors during admitted
students day, I never would have guessed there was a way that I could combine
pro bono and IP experience. This program was an exciting surprise that swayed my
decision in picking my school and I am really glad I took the time to find out
about it and then dedicate some time to it once coming into law school. VIPs is
primarily for 1Ls, so it won’t be a program I participate in next year, but
that’s okay because I will finally be able to take some IP classes and hopefully
get some time in the clinic.
Overall, pro bono is such an important piece of your
law school experience. I hope you all take the time to look into programs that
you are passionate about or that combine pro bono and your future interests OR
BOTH. Also, don’t be afraid to sign up for more than one pro bono project.
Generally, these groups are structured so that you can pick your own level on
involvement. As a law student and lawyer you will be in a position of privilege
in your community. I hope you never stop asking how you can give back to that
community.
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